Apr 24, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --

    * Re-elects four directors
    * Ratifies the appointment of independent auditor
    * Approves elimination of classified board structure

HOUSTON, April 24, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP) announced that O. Holcombe Crosswell, Janiece M. Longoria, Thomas F. Madison and Sherman W. Wolff were re-elected to the company's board of directors at its annual meeting today. Also continuing as directors are Milton Carroll (non-executive chairman), Donald R. Campbell, Derrill Cody, David M. McClanahan (president and chief executive officer), Robert T. O'Connell, Michael E. Shannon and Peter S. Wareing.

During the annual meeting shareholders also ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent auditors for 2008 and approved a proposal to eliminate the company's current classified board structure in favor of annual election of all directors.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, interstate pipelines and field services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total over $17 billion. With about 8,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For more information, visit the Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

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SOURCE: CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
         Media:
         Leticia Lowe
           713.207.7702
         Investors:
         Marianne Paulsen
           713.207.6500

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